Happy holidays from the Auchterlonies

Rear-Admiral Bob Auchterlonie, Commander Maritime Forces Pacific, and his family pose for a photo at the Admiral’s Residence. From left to right: Michael Auchterlonie, Ciarra Grant, RAdm Bob Auchterlonie, Tammy Auchterlonie, Fraser Auchterlonie, and Gabrielle Polard. Photo by Leading Seaman Mike Goluboff, MARPAC Imaging

It has been a joy seeing first hand all of our successes doing the nation’s business at-sea and ashore in 2019.

HMCS Regina completed a successful deployment early in the year, while HMCS Whitehorse and HMCS Yellowknife wrapped-up another rotation of Operation Caribbe. Soon the crew of HMCS Ottawa will return home from Operation Projection in time to celebrate the holidays.

Every year I am proud of the Defence Team’s professionalism in all that they do to ensure our international and domestic operations run so smoothly. I encourage you all to take the time over the holidays to celebrate and rejoice with friends and family. You’ve earned it!

Of course, many of our colleagues will continue working through this magical season, including the search and rescue crews responding to emergencies in B.C., or the gunners on Operation Palaci making sure the TransCanada is safe from avalanches for those travelling through Rogers Pass. I am grateful for their willing service, putting duty first to keep us all safe as we enjoy the serenity of the season.

But for those in need, this time of year is not one filled with joy, companionship and comfort; however, what warms my heart is the outpouring of charity, of generosity, both in time and money, from my colleagues and shipmates at Maritime Forces Pacific and CFB Esquimalt, that the dark winter days become just a bit brighter.

From my family to yours, wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a safe and prosperous New Year.

Rear-Admiral Bob Auchterlonie
and Family